In a notable shift in Uttar Pradesh's political dynamics, Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Puja Pal has openly joined the campaign for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Deepak Patel in the Phulpur assembly by-election.
Her public endorsement, following her cross-voting for BJP in the Rajya Sabha elections nine months ago, adds significant strength to the BJP's position in this crucial contest.
Puja Pal, a prominent figure in the Pal community, which has approximately 20,000 voters in Phulpur, has long fought for justice for her late husband, Raju Pal, who was killed in 2005. Reflecting on her 18-year struggle, she emphasized that justice came only under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. “My community and I finally received justice from CM Yogi. My loyalty lies with justice and self-respect, so I stand with him,” she said, noting that her entire community is backing her stance.
Puja’s history is marked by resilience against formidable adversaries, including the convicted mafia don Atiq Ahmed, who is accused of orchestrating her husband’s murder. "I fought against the mafia for 18 years, living in fear, but I finally feel secure," she added.
The murder of Raju Pal, who served as a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA from Allahabad City West, left Puja undeterred, propelling her into politics where she has since held various positions, transitioning from BSP to SP in 2022.
This by-election has brought caste dynamics to the forefront.
The BJP, bolstered by Puja’s endorsement, is strengthening its influence among Pal, Patel, and Maurya voters, while facing challenges in winning over Brahmin and Kshatriya constituents who may still support BJP due to the lack of a viable alternative.
SP, which has fielded Mustafa Siddiqui, has encountered discontent due to the selection of a Muslim candidate, causing a shift among non-Yadav OBC voters towards BJP.
In Phulpur’s SC-OBC-dominated electorate, the outcome often hinges on the alignment of the Yadav, Patel, and Maurya votes. Traditionally, the SP’s base has relied on Yadav-Muslim support, while BJP courts Patel voters. According to Rajkumar Kashyap, a local resident, the BJP has a clear advantage this time, as the by-election will not alter the state government, leading voters to support BJP on local issues.
Meanwhile, the Congress party's recent activities, including rallies and a visit by Rahul Gandhi, failed to secure the Phulpur seat under their alliance, causing internal dissatisfaction that could potentially affect the SP's vote base. Additionally, BSP candidate Jitendra Singh, a newcomer, has entered the race but remains an untested player in this high-stakes election.
With Puja Pal’s influential support, the BJP’s foothold appears to be solidifying in Phulpur, positioning the party strongly against SP and potentially swaying undecided voters.
